Star Australian Fast Bowler Ruled Out Of 1st Ashes Test In Perth | Cricket News

Sean Abbott ruled out of first Ashes Test. (Picture Credit: AFP)

Star Australian fast bowler Sean Abbott on Wednesday (November 12) was ruled out of the first Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series. The first match of this year’s Ashes series will be played at Optus Stadium in Perth from November 21 to 25. According to Fox Sports, Abbott, who was included in Australia’s squad for the Ashes opener, has been ruled out due to a “moderate grade hamstring injury” that he suffered while playing for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield match against Victoria at Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

In addition to Abbott, Josh Hazlewood also suffered an injury scare in the ongoing New South Wales-Victoria at the SCG, but he has been cleared of serious injury after undergoing scans.

Cricket Australia on Wednesday confirmed that Hazlewood would join the Australian squad as planned in Perth ahead of the Ashes opener despite reporting “tightness in his right hamstring”.

“Josh Hazlewood will join the Australian squad as planned in the Perth Ashes Test,” a Cricket Australia release confirmed on Wednesday.

“Hazlewood left the field late in Victoria’s innings at the SCG today, reporting tightness in his right hamstring. He underwent precautionary scans which have cleared him of muscle strain. He will train as planned in the lead-up to the first Test in Perth.”

“Sean Abbott also left the field, having reported left hamstring soreness. Scans confirmed a moderate-grade hamstring injury. He will not be available for selection for the first Test match in Perth, and his return-to-play plan will be developed over the coming weeks,” the release added.

Despite getting clearance to join the squad, if Hazlewood fails to feature in the first Test, then South Australian fast bowler Brendan Doggett will get a chance to make Test debut in Perth.

“He’s been bowling really well the last couple of games from what I’ve seen,” Pat Cummins was quoted as saying by Fox Sports about Doggett.

“He missed the first (Sheffield Shield) game or two, but he’s come back really strongly. He’s really well placed to be vying for a spot in that first Test. It’s always nice to have a squad full of people in form, and he’s certainly one of those guys.”

Cummins, who will miss the first Test in Perth, also confirmed that he is still aiming to be available for the second Ashes Test, which will be played at The Gabba from December 4 to 8.

“That’s what we’re building towards,” he said.